Story perspectives

Grand Jury Indicts FBI Director Comey for Threatening Trump

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

A grand jury in Eastern District of North Carolina indicted FBI Director James Comey on counts of threatening President Donald Trump across state lines.
The indictment stems from a 2025 Instagram post of seashells spelling “86 47,” which Trump said signaled a call for his assassination.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said threats will never be tolerated, noting that prosecution moves forward despite a prior indictment dismissed for an appointed prosecutor.

History

Historical Context

The Watergate break-in on June 17 1972 and the Senate Watergate Committee’s May 1973 hearings, chaired by Senator Sam Ervin, exposed presidential abuse and led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974. That precedent of congressional scrutiny underpins the 2023 Eastern District of North Carolina grand jury indictment of FBI Director James Comey for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump.

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Story summary

A grand jury in Eastern District of North Carolina indicted FBI Director James Comey on counts of threatening President Donald Trump across state lines.
The indictment stems from a 2025 Instagram post of seashells spelling “86 47,” which Trump said signaled a call for his assassination.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said threats will never be tolerated, noting that prosecution moves forward despite a prior indictment dismissed for an appointed prosecutor.

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